Revolutionising Residential Schemes with the Help of Offsite Construction Methods

Innovation is central to progress - whether that is as a corporation or as a society. In the increasingly competitive world of residential construction, innovation is more essential than ever, as companies and developers face mounting pressure from stakeholders, the general public and the government to provide affordable, eco-friendly housing (and fast).

The solution doesn’t have to be overly complex - in fact, there is ample opportunity right under our noses. Offsite construction methods, at their very core, offer benefits to the residential sector that traditional methods just can’t compete with - and perhaps a potential solution to the country’s longstanding and ever-growing housing crisis.

They boast faster on-site build programmes

Because all internal finishes are completed at an offsite facility at the same time as work is carried out onsite, the overall build programme is significantly reduced through modular construction. Once the modules arrive onsite, they simply need to be positioned, secured and M&E connected.

For residential schemes in particular, this means that houses and apartments can be constructed in record time - enabling developers to see a return on their investment sooner. Given the government is keen to build new homes quickly and meet formidable targets in terms of delivering new affordable homes, offsite construction could hold the key to making these targets achievable.

They make use of a tighter quality control process

In a factory, there is a strict production process that dictates the manufacture of modular building systems, compared to work that happens onsite. For construction companies and developers, this means fewer mistakes are made - therefore keeping the time and resource costs associated with this construction method to a minimum.

They don’t compromise on flexibility

One of the greatest benefits to modular homes is their incredible flexibility when it comes to the internal aesthetics and design, as well as the shape of the modules. From multi-storey apartment blocks to traditional homes, offsite construction can be used to produce an array of different buildings - giving developers and architects in the residential industry a great deal of choice when it comes to the design of residential modular schemes.

On top of this, interior finishes can be added to the same high standard as the structures themselves. From flooring and fixtures to the finishing details like wall art and furniture, there is no restriction on choice - whether you are opting for a full design-to-completion modular building or simply including distinct elements into a partially site-built housing scheme.

Their environmental credentials are top-notch

In a factory controlled environment, a strict waste management system can be enforced. Segregated waste streams can be easily implemented for recycling, with training and the enforcement of the waste management process being far easier to maintain.

Better yet, the modules themselves can also offer environmental benefits. Mechanical ventilation heat recovery systems can be installed, while all modules are manufactured with thermal performance in mind - with the very best energy-efficient appliances, boilers and lighting solutions being sourced.

Whether you are a contractor looking to diversify your construction process, or a developer keen to improve either the cost-effectiveness or the eco-friendliness of a project, modular practices can hold the key to more efficient, safe and flexible construction schemes.

Author Bio: Tori Atkinson is a content creator for Elements Europe, an industry-leading offsite construction company specialising in sustainable modular housing building systems, and part of the Pickstock Group.